Daytop Honors Gov. Christie at The Palace

Posted on September 30, 2013

Last week, The Palace at Somerset Park served as the setting for an incredible moment where former crack addict Craig Hanlon, now an attorney, personally thanked New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, then the state’s Attorney General, for offering Hanlon a summer internship — an opportunity that changed his life.

Hanlon was the surprise guest of the evening and Christie was clearly moved by the gratitude.

“It was clear that I wasn’t the only one doing him a favor,” said Christie. “He was doing me one. This young man will show others what overcoming challenges is all about.”

The event honoring the Governor was held by Daytop Village, a residential treatment program in Mendham that receives funding from the state. Christie has made fighting substance abuse on his top agenda items.

“These folks don’t need to be judged. They need to be helped. They need to be treated,” he told the audience at the event.